The San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego are among the many prime San Diego sights. Both concentrate on animals to a sure diploma, however the choices and vibe at every differ considerably.
Many guests, particularly when in San Diego with youngsters, will possible choose to hit up each of those big-name theme parks. But let’s say you’re extra restricted and want to decide on or prioritize one.
In this text, I’ll break down the SeaWorld vs. San Diego Zoo query by highlighting the primary elements that may probably affect which attraction you choose.
With this sensible comparability, you’ll be able to resolve which one is finest on your trip. We have annual passes to each sights, and I discuss to individuals about these theme parks day by day. I do know who enjoys their visits and who doesn’t.
You can save on tickets, excursions, and lodges by means of my affiliations. If you make purchases by means of the hyperlinks on this publish, I could also be compensated. Also, costs at theme parks change quickly and will differ from what’s on this publish. Check earlier than you go.
Admission Comparison
Winner: Usually San Diego Zoo, except you might be lively navy or SeaWorld tickets are on sale.
Regarding the ticket value, San Diego Zoo edges out SeaWorld San Diego as a higher-value vacation spot. Why? The tickets are often inexpensive – however not all the time.
What Admission Gets You on the San Diego Zoo
Prices keep comparatively steady as a result of tickets by no means go on sale. For this cause, we’ll use the web value since it’s $2 lower than when you had been to buy on the gate.
However, do not forget that I’ve low cost San Diego Zoo tickets that may prevent much more on 1-Day tickets than is listed beneath.
Here are the essential costs and particulars:
- 1-Day Pass: Costing $65 for adults and $55 for youngsters ages 3 to 11, the 1-Day Pass supplies admission in addition to a Guided Bus Tour, a experience on the Skyfari Aerial Tram, and a seat on the Kangaroo Express Bus everytime you need it. You can save an extra $2 per ticket when you select a Value Day.
- 1-Day Pass Plus: This ticket—$71 for adults and $61 for youngsters—provides to the above a screening on the zoo’s 4D Theater. You can save an extra $2 per ticket when you select a Value Day. (The value of a 4D film is $7 per individual and could be added on on the park. It’s cheaper to do that and purchase my low cost tickets.)
- 2-Visit Pass: The 2-Visit Pass, which prices $110 for adults and $100 for youngsters, lets you mix a go to every to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Alternatively, you need to use the go for a reduced two visits to at least one or the opposite vacation spot.
There are additionally restricted, or limitless zoo visits accessible by means of San Diego Zoo membership plans. Some of those embrace blockout dates.
Parking is free. And, I’ve an unique low cost on 1-Day tickets.
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What Admission Gets You at SeaWorld San Diego
Because they provide gross sales all year long, you’ll hardly ever pay full value at SeaWorld San Diego. But, this makes a value comparability trickier. Here the gate costs for the most typical tickets.
- Date-Specific Tickets: Tickets for a single day’s admission start at $99.99. This admission contains entry to a lot of the rides and exhibits inside SeaWorld San Diego, although the Skytower and Bayside Skyride value an extra price. This ticket is sort of all the time on sale or could be bought at a reduction.
- Ticket & All-Day Dining Bundle: For a retail value of $144.88, you’ll be able to add to your single-day admission an entree and facet or beverage each hour at SeaWorld San Diego. This can also be often on sale.
When the tickets go on sale, they are often as little as $59.99 for a day’s admission, bringing a one-day go to near the Zoo. A Ticket & All-Day Dining Bundle could be as little as $89.99.
We have tons of recommendation for getting low cost SeaWorld San Diego tickets. You’ll pay to park at SeaWorld San Diego.
Other choices embrace a SeaWorld Annual Pass, which moreover a yr’s price of SeaWorld admission, lands you free parking, free visitor tickets, and sure in-park reductions. Fun Cards additionally present limitless admission.
Active Duty navy personnel take pleasure in complimentary admission to SeaWorld San Diego (as do as much as three of their direct dependents).
There are additionally varied upgrades accessible for SeaWorld admission, together with Quick Queue Unlimited for attending to the entrance of strains and Reserved Seating for exhibits.
Combo tickets & SightSeeing Passes
The all-inclusive Go San Diego Pass contains each San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego admission along with over 50 different native sights.
Using this go removes admission as a think about figuring out which park to go to, plus you get entry to different in style museums, excursions, and sights.
In addition, a number of choices mix admission for the 2 sights:
Animal Exhibits
Winner: San Diego Zoo
SeaWorld San Diego and San Diego Zoo boast a wide range of animal displays. That mentioned, there’s no query that the Zoo gives much more selection — not shocking, given animal shows are the core of its enchantment.
San Diego Zoo Exhibits
San Diego Zoo is dwelling to just about 13,000 particular person animals representing greater than 650 species and subspecies.
A go to right here takes you on a tour across the globe’s spectacularly numerous ecosystems and exhibits off simply how diverse and sumptuous their lifeforms are.
The Zoo’s zones vary from Africa Rocks, Asian Passage, and Lost Forest to the Reptile House at Discovery Outpost. Animals calling the place dwelling embrace (to call only some):
- Bonobos
- Orangutans
- Western Lowland Gorillas
- Baboons
- African Lions
- Malayan Tigers
- Snow Leopards
- Jaguars
- Mountain Lions
- Cheetahs
- Grizzly Bears
- Polar Bears
- Sloth Bears
- Tasmanian Devils
- African & Asian Elephant
- Hippos
- Giraffes
- Red Pandas
- Meerkats
- Komodo Dragons
- Green Anacondas
- Alligator Snapping Turtles
- Chinese Alligators
- California Condors
- Flamingos
- Secretary Birds
- Harpy Eagles
A couple of different issues to notice: The San Diego Zoo is carefully related to trendy efforts to preserve the large panda, together with a well-known captive-breeding program. But as of 2019, large pandas are now not on view on the zoo.
Also, plant lovers will revel within the botanical collections on the zoo, which of their approach are simply as complete because the faunal roster. Self-guided excursions of the zoo’s gardens and plantings can be found.
SeaWorld San Diego Exhibits
The displays aren’t almost so diverse at SeaWorld San Diego. But partly, that’s due to the theme park’s narrower scope.
After all, SeaWorld San Diego is an oceanarium and marine theme park. That means sea animals and leisure within the type of exhibits and rides dominate its focus.
That doesn’t imply there aren’t absorbing displays like interactive contact swimming pools and aquaria at SeaWorld San Diego.
Some of the principally marine residents embrace:
- Beluga whales
- Orcas
- Sharks
- Rays
- Moray eels
- Sea turtles
- Penguins
- Sea Otters
- Sea Lions
- Seals
- Walruses
- Pilot whales
- Bottlenose Dolphins
Even a number of “topside” organisms make the SeaWorld reduce, together with macaws, toucans, and two-toed sloths.
Young and outdated alike ought to thrill on the likelihood to pet a smooth ray at Bay Ray Shallows or a starfish within the SeaWorld tide swimming pools.
The identical goes for the up-close seems to be at hulking marine mammals by means of plexiglass panes. And the innocent however thrilling gauntlet of toothy grins you go by means of within the Shark Encounter tunnel is a dependable spotlight.
Rides
Winner: SeaWorld San Diego
When it involves rides, SeaWorld San Diego, with out query, has extra to supply than San Diego Zoo.
Rides at San Diego Zoo
The handful of rides on the San Diego Zoo are principally low-grade thrills and excursions however nonetheless very nice.
Skyfari Aerial Tram
The gondola expertise supplied by the Skyfari Aerial Tram, for one, contains fabulous top-down views of the zoo and its Balboa Park environment.
Guided Bus Tour
Other experience choices maintain you firmly on the bottom. The first-come, first-served Guided Bus Tour is a 35-minute narrated introduction to the zoo’s structure and inhabitants—undoubtedly advisable for first-time guests.
Kangaroo Express Bus
Not actually a experience a lot as sensible around-the-zoo transportation, the non-narrated Kangaroo Express Bus makes 4 stops on its circuit.
Discovery Cart Tour (Paid Upgrade)
An extended narrated tour is accessible through the hour-long Discover Cart rides which is an upgraded expertise bought individually from admission.
Balboa Park Minature Railroad
The Balboa Park Miniature Railroad takes zoo goers on a short three-minute, half-mile circuit by means of eucalyptus timber simply outdoors the Zoo.
Tickets value simply $3, however there are lower than fifty of those classic trains left working.
Rides at SeaWorld San Diego
You’ll discover a way more in depth unfold of amusement rides at SeaWorld San Diego.
These vary from low-key, toddler-friendly choices reminiscent of spinning teacups to among the gnarliest curler coasters within the Golden State.
Here are the primary thrill and household rides on supply.
High Thrill Rides
- Emperor: California’s tallest, quickest, and longest dive coaster (143-foot vertical drop, 60+ miles per hour)
- Manta: Launch coaster
- Electric Eel: San Diego’s tallest and quickest launch coaster
- Tidal Twister: Dueling rolling coaster
- Journey to Atlantis: Flume experience
Medium Thrill Rides
- Shipwreck Rapids: Whitewater experience with rapids and waterfall
- Riptide Rescue: Spinner experience
Low Thrill Rides
- Bayside Skyride: Gondola experience (paid improve)
- Skytower: Tower providing 100-mile sightlines over Greater San Diego and out to the Pacific
- Elmo’s Flying Fish: Kiddie experience
- Tentacle Twirl: Swing experience
- Abby’s Sea Star Spin: Swinging teacups
- Sea Dragon Drop: Shot-n-drop tower appropriate for babies
- Octarock: Kid-friendly swing
- Oscar’s Rockin’ Eel: Kid-friendly side-to-side slide
- Aqua Scout: Bumping kiddie experience
SeaWorld San Diego debuted Sesame Place San Diego in 2022, which incorporates water sights, amongst them a 500,000-gallon wave pool and water slides. This is a separate theme park positioned in Chula Vista.
Shows
Winner: SeaWorld San Diego
You’ll discover stay leisure with an academic element at each parks.
Generally talking, the exhibits on the San Diego Zoo are on a smaller scale and centered on schooling. Most could be higher known as talks or displays.
For flashier (splashier?) exhibits centered extra on leisure, SeaWorld San Diego is the place to go.
Which park you like based mostly on exhibits alone is dependent upon which kind of present is extra significant to you.
Shows & Presentations on the San Diego Zoo
Regular Wildlife Care Specialist Talks reveal among the inside scoop on assembly the behavioral, dietary, and different wants of particular species on the zoo.
The San Diego Zoo presents its varied animal ambassadors in day by day exhibits on the Africa Rocks stage, Rady Ambassador Presentation Area, and Wegeforth Bowl amphitheater.
Keep in thoughts that the zoo additionally gives a wide range of upgraded excursions and actions that, if not precisely “shows,” are nonetheless partaking and thrilling experiences.
These embrace the Crazy About Cats, Animals in Action, and Early Morning Cheetah experiences, plus the Inside Look Tours that absorb some behind-the-scenes goings-on associated to animal care.
Shows & Presentations at SeaWorld San Diego
Live exhibits are undoubtedly on the coronary heart of the SeaWorld San Diego expertise.
The killer-whale present, Orca Encounter, is the defining draw, providing you with a firsthand have a look at the wonder, agility, and intelligence of the ocean’s apex predator.
Also in style are the Dolphin Days and Sea Lions Live exhibits, every that includes its personal smooth and charismatic marine mammals.
There are slower-paced animal experiences as properly, together with sea-turtle feedings and sea-otter displays.
And not the entire SeaWorld exhibits need to do with sea life. The Sesame Street Meet-and-Greets enable youngsters to rub shoulders with their favourite Sesame Street characters. The Cirque Electrique performances embrace acrobatic and jet-skiing thrills on the Bayside Amphitheater.
Evening fireworks present a daily spectacle as properly (verify the calendar as they don’t happen day by day).
Crowds & Size
Winner: San Diego Zoo
Both the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego are main vacationer sights.
After all, we’re speaking concerning the most-visited zoo within the nation and the unique SeaWorld location. Expect massive crowds, particularly on weekends and through the summer time or vacation seasons.
But, do they really feel crowded? Let’s discover out.
San Diego Zoo Crowds & Size
The San Diego Zoo covers 100 acres, with some hilly terrain to navigate.
You can count on loads of firm, notably across the bigger water-dwelling animals reminiscent of polar bears and hippos. That’s as a result of company are likely to hover across the glass that showcases them swimming underwater.
However, the scale of the zoo and its spread-out displays means it hardly ever feels uncomfortably full of individuals.
But maintain the hilliness of the zoo’s grounds in thoughts (which is nothing anybody ever complains about). You could get a bit of exercise throughout a typical zoo go to, particularly when you push a stroller round.
The Kangaroo Bus and Aerial Tram come in useful whenever you want a break from strolling or are visiting with extra mobility-challenged pals or relations.
You don’t wait in line for a lot at San Diego Zoo since there are not any rides and folks have a tendency to maneuver by means of the displays at an affordable tempo.
SeaWorld San Diego Crowds & Size
Given the most well-liked sights at SeaWorld are rides and exhibits, count on a considerably extra crowded really feel. You’ll spend time ready in strains since rides are among the many hottest issues to do there.
SeaWorld San Diego is a giant place, too, protecting some 172 acres. (Though it doesn’t really feel almost 2x the scale of the Zoo.)
Who Visits?
Winner: San Diego Zoo
Needless to say, there’s fairly a little bit of crossover in the case of the Seaworld San Diego vs. San Diego Zoo target market.
Both spots rank among the many metropolis’s largest household sights, although their enchantment—particularly in the case of the San Diego Zoo—isn’t in any respect restricted to kiddos.
SeaWorld gives a higher-octane vibe given its thrill rides and extra spectacle-oriented exhibits, however the zoo delivers a broader and richer general expertise.
Who the San Diego Zoo Will Appeal to the Most
The San Diego Zoo is an all-ages vacation spot. It’s actually an impressive place to convey youngsters, particularly youthful youngsters nonetheless reliably wowed by firsthand encounters with the animal kingdom.
But, I can let you know that retirees, newlyweds, singles, and even enterprise vacationers exit of their technique to go to. Even locals will head over very first thing within the morning to stroll by means of the gardens and varied areas for train (at a brisk tempo or in the suitable sections, it’s a exercise). Looking for yard inspiration? Many of the 700,000 crops are labeled.
The Zoo’s a very potent draw when you or anyone in your celebration has a particular curiosity within the pure world or conservation. That mentioned, a roaring huge cat, gargantuan elephant, or inquisitive nice ape is more likely to captivate nearly anyone, younger or outdated.
Who SeaWorld San Diego Will Appeal to the Most
SeaWorld San Diego’s attract is often stronger for the youthful crowd.
Smaller youngsters will discover the contact swimming pools and the Sesame Street Bay of Play space intriguing. Many locals have season passes through the toddler years as a result of, properly, there’s Elmo, Abby, Cookie Monster, and the gang featured in tame rides, merchandise, and characters roaming the park.
Teens like it for curler coasters. Other than the historic coaster at Belmont Park, these are the one ones in San Diego. And they’re huge and quick.
I don’t usually hear of or see many guests going with out youngsters in tow. One exception could be when they’re working meals festivals or vacation occasions.
Dining
Winner: San Diego Zoo
Given they’re designed to be half- or full-day locations, it’s no shock that each the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego are properly geared up to fulfill appetites.
The Zoo, although, wins for the variety of eating choices. However, SeaWorld San Diego gives eating packages that would prevent cash when you plan to spend all day on the park.
Rest assured that grownup drinks are served in each parks! And each supply vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices.
Dining on the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo gives a powerful lineup of eateries, snack bars, and watering holes properly distributed all through the grounds. From on-the-go snacks and sit-down meals to grownup drinks, they cowl a number of cuisines starting from hearty to wholesome.
Named for a well-known, bygone silverback resident of the San Diego Zoo, Albert’s within the Lost Forest is a full-service restaurant and bar with a superb patio beside a small waterfall. Along with its day by day lunches and dinners, Albert’s gives a well-liked weekend brunch.
Track down extra informal eating, in the meantime, on the following institutions:
- Busy Bee Café (Zoofari Party Area)
- San Diego Zoo Sandwich Co. (Front Street)
- Front Street Sweet Shack (Front Street)
- Safari Kitchen (Front Street)
- Lagoon Terrace (Front Street)
- Sydney’s Grill (Australian Outback)
- Hua Mei Cafe (Asian Passage)
- Sabertooth Mexican Grill (Elephant Odyssey)
- Treetops Cafe (Lost Forest)
That’s not all: You’ll additionally discover shut to twenty snack-and-refreshments-style shops within the San Diego Zoo, from the Northern Frontier’s Ituri Hut and the Lost Forests’s Jungle Java to the Boardwalk Beer Garden and Busy Bee Cocktails.
The San Diego Zoo additionally permits guests to herald their very own meals and drinks (single individual), although no glass containers, coolers, alcohol, birthday desserts, or celebration trays are allowed.
Dining at SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld additionally gives a spread of eateries and snack stations however not fairly the number of the San Diego Zoo. And if I’m to be frank, the standard of the meals isn’t pretty much as good although it’s fantastic for a theme park.
Its eating places and refreshment stands embrace:
- Big Bird’s Bistro
- The Waterfront
- Calypso Bay Smokehouse (ribs listed below are in style)
- Mama Stella’s Pizza Kitchen
- Shipwreck Reef Cafe
- Craft Beer Bar
- Sea Lion Amphitheater Bar
- Explorer’s Cafe & Bar
You also can bundle all-day eating along with your ticket, which permits three gadgets at collaborating eating places as a lot as as soon as per hour. There are some limitations, but when you’ll be spending time consuming, it may be a great deal. It also can make strains lengthy throughout peak days.
SeaWorld San Diego gives a number of particular eating packages and experiences. The most noteworthy is the Dine With Orcas deal, which supplies a chef-curated meal on a personal poolside patio with orca-viewing and knowledge.
Unlike on the zoo, you can not convey outdoors meals or drinks into SeaWorld save for bottled water. Exceptions are made for child system guests with sure dietary restrictions or meals allergy symptoms.
Location
Winner: San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego are each simply accessible from Downtown San Diego. The Zoo will get the sting in the case of the comfort of its location just because it’s a shorter Uber from Downtown lodges and Balboa Park is subsequent door.
But, critically, there’s no have to get too hung up on their areas. The drive time between the 2 is often about quarter-hour.
San Diego Zoo
Situated in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo’s mere minutes from downtown and instantly accessed by a bus line (the No. 7).
That location additionally means an entire host of different sights. Some of San Diego’s prime museums and gardens—are inside prepared strolling distance from the zoo.
Balboa Park’s among the best locations for strolling on the town and hosts a daily calendar of live shows and different particular occasions. And heads up: You also can experience the free Balboa Park Tram to get round within the neighborhood.
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld is positioned on Mission Bay, about quarter-hour from Downtown San Diego.
The No. 8 and 9 Metropolitan Transit System buses supply public transportation to SeaWorld from the Old Town Transit Center. SeaWorld’s normal neighborhood isn’t walkable to something.
But, whilst you’re there, you’ll be able to take a brief drive to Belmont Park San Diego and the Mission Beach space (parking on the seaside could be robust throughout peak season).
Parking
Winner: San Diego Zoo
There’s ample parking at each the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego.
Parking on the San Diego Zoo
The zoo gives free parking in its City of San Diego-managed lot.
If the zoo car parking zone is full, which is uncommon however does occur, attempt on the lookout for area alongside Park Blvd. or elsewhere within the Balboa Park neighborhood.
Parking within the Balboa Park parking heaps can also be free.
Parking at SeaWorld San Diego
You’ll pay for parking within the large SeaWorld lot: a separate price from admission.
General Parking is $25, whereas areas near the doorway value $30 or extra for Up-Close Parking and $35 or extra for VIP Parking.
You can pre-pay parking on-line when you like, however you can too pay the attendant whenever you get there.
SeaWorld vs. San Diego Zoo: Summing Up
When all is claimed and completed, the San Diego Zoo is the extra universally partaking vacation spot. The high quality of its animal displays and the breadth of on-site interpretation and schooling relating to its denizens and international conservation are excellent. It’s one of many world’s most extremely regarded zoological parks for good cause.
SeaWorld is actually additionally properly price trying out, notably when you’re visiting San Diego with youngsters. But it’s a bit extra one-dimensional, and may very well be a costlier time out.
Here’s a mind dump of questions individuals ask me when evaluating each parks.
| SeaWorld San Diego | San Diego Zoo | |
| Reservations vital | No | No |
| Discount tickets accessible | Yes | Yes |
| Same-day tickets accessible | Yes | Yes |
| Non-profit park | No, however SeaWorld Entertainment operates nonprofits dedicated to animal and habitat rescue. |
Yes |
| Accredited zoo | Yes | Yes |
| Children’s sections | Sesame Street Bay of Play | Wildlife Explorers Basecamp |
| Free parking | No | Yes |
| Opportunities to the touch animals | Touch swimming pools with rays, feeder sharks, tide pool animals. | No, except you get fortunate throughout an upgraded tour. |
| Other sights inside strolling distance | No | Balboa Park is subsequent door. |
| VIP excursions | Yes | Yes |
| Bring in meals | No (child meals and particular food plan meals okay) | Yes |
| Stroller and locker leases | Yes | Yes |
| Gluten, vegan, and vegetarian eating choices | Yes | Yes |
| Adult drinks on the market | Yes | Yes |
FAQs About San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld San Diego
How far aside are SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo?
The two theme parks are about 8 miles aside. The drive time with out site visitors is about quarter-hour.
Can you go to SeaWorld San Diego and San Diego Zoo on the identical day?
In principle, sure, you’ll be able to go to each parks on the identical day you probably have huge stamina. I’d not suggest it, particularly with younger youngsters.
You will get probably the most out of each parks when you see them on separate days.
Which Zoo is Best in San Diego?
The reply is dependent upon your pursuits. Most individuals will vote for San Diego Zoo. However, there are three zoos in San Diego:
- San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- SeaWorld San Diego
Hopefully, this text helped you resolve between San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld San Diego. We’ve coated San Diego Zoo vs. San Diego Zoo Safari Park as properly when you need assistance deciding between these two parks.
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